Helian

While Thunder lined up the bodies on the side of the road, Levi quietly exited the conversation between Grant and Aya.

He walked past Lydia, stealing a few glances, and headed toward the source of the quiet gasps and sobs. He slowed down his pace, taking a deep breath.

What could even be said? Levi wondered, staring at the boy's bloodied hands. 

Nothing seemed adequate.

He was there, sitting next to the lifeless remains of his brother, his head buried in the knees he was holding up.

Levi made his way next to him, simply sitting down without saying a word while he kept sobbing.

He tried recalling the last time he had lost someone dear, yet his mind remained empty.

Silence settled between them, heavy and unbroken. Lost in his thoughts, Levi almost didn't notice when the boy's sobs quieted.

"Thanks for trying," the boy muttered.

"Wish it went any another way," Levi replied, each word heavy. They sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Helian."

"Do you live nearby?"

He chuckled.

"I 'lived' wherever my brother was," he said as he lifted his head to glance at Pell one more time.

"There's a huge willow tree in my gardens, we could bury him there if you'd like."

Helian turned to look at Levi, truly seeing him for the first time.

"Why would you do that? I have no money, as you can probably already tell."

Levi nodded at Pell, "I couldn't help him because I was too weak, I'm hoping I can get him to forgive me by helping you," he replied.

"Well... I'm sure he'd enjoy resting under that tree, rather than fed to pigs like they would normally do."

"Pigs?"

"Ah, but that's right. You nobles wouldn't ever have to worry about that."

Helian chuckled while rolling his eyes, his tone mockingly trying to provoke Levi.

"You're probably right," replied Levi, raising Helian's eyebrows.

"Well, I guess you're not like every noble."

"You'll learn that pretty quick," laughed Levi.

Levi unhooked the cape and draped it over Helian's shoulders, its weight settling heavily.

"I'll tell Thunder over there we'll be transporting your brother back with us," he said, nodding toward Thunder.

"You're free to go with him, a room will be available for you so don't worry about it."

Helian clutched on the cape, doubt flickering in his eyes.

 "Why are you doing all of this? Are you going to sell me into slavery? I've heard stories about you nobles..-"

Levi burst into laughter, struggling to catch his breath."Hah! Yeah, totally." 

Helian frowned. "How can you laugh? I'm serious! I heard stories..."

Levi smirked. "We might even turn you into a stew for tonight's meal."

"You're not taking this seriously," said Helian pretending to be offended.

"You're right I'm not, I've been a noble effectively for a couple of days now," replied Levi.

"Ahh, then that's why they said they didn't recognize you as one."

"I'm an apostate. The Goddess of the Depths blessed me as her follower. They wouldn't let me go even if I was the king."

Helian had a concerned look for a moment, as the silence brought them back to a more sinister mood.

"I guess you don't have it that much better," exhaled Helian.

"The only way is forward," said Levi looking above his shoulder.

Aya waved her hand while pointing at him, her dress flowing with her movements.

She then pointed at the carriage, where Grant climbed in, tilting it to one side as usual.

"I have to go register as an adventurer, but I'll meet you back at the mansion. Don't worry, the worst Thunder could do is choke on his own laugh..."

"That's reassuring," Helian whispered while his attention returned to his brother's still form.

Levi stood up, a sad expression on his face. He turned and saw Thunder, who was watching him approach with his usual smile.

"How is he?" he asked when Levi was close enough.

"Well, he lost his brother. I told him we could bury him under the willow tree, hoping you could keep an eye on him," said Levi.

"That mansion is as good as yours, so it's fine. I'll make sure he gets new clothes and a bath too. Ah, and don't worry, I'll make sure Lydia rests."

"Thank you, for everything," said Levi initiating a fist bump.

Levi's eyebrows arched, as for the first time a truly surprised Thunder had a smile that seemed more than genuine. 

"Alright, see ya," said Levi as he turned toward the carriage.

"Hell yeah! See ya! Soon! I hope! Miss you! haha!" yelled Thunder as he was walking away.

What's gotten into him? thought Levi.

As he reached the carriage, he hurriedly hopped in, closing the door as he sat next to Aya. 

He awkwardly smiled, as Grant sitting across from them tapped on the window, signaling to the driver to get going.

"Careful, lady Aya, this one seems to enjoy making moves in carriages," said Grant.

Levi glared at Grant, who almost seemed to chuckle—a rare break in his usual lifeless expression.

Turning to Aya, Levi stammered, "Hah, right... What happened was..."

"I wouldn't mind," interrupted Aya.

Levi's eyebrows touched his airline, while Grant rolled his eyes.

Levi blushed, as he could feel his neck and ears becoming physically hotter. 

He played with his clothes, as he looked down, avoiding eye contact.

"You're finally getting your adventurer's card?" asked Aya breaking the silence.

"Yeah, I'm impatient to finally go on an adventure, after all this time."

"I'd love to go with you," she quickly replied. "Always wanted an adventure since I was little."

"I wouldn't mind if you joined us," replied Levi.

Aya turned to the window, contemplating the scenery that was slowly turning from greenery to a more urban setting.

"I wish I could, but sadly I am to stay here. It's fine, I've talked to Thundy, I'll be handling your noble matters while you're gone. I'll feel like I'm participating at least a bit."

"How could I repay you?"

"You could marry me," she said while taking Levi's hand.

Levi's instinct kicked in, as he withdrew his hand with speed that would make Thunder jealous.

Levi awkwardly smiled, "hahah, yeah, marriage..." 

His eyes darted around as he looked for something to hang on, "Are we close?" he abruptly asked.

"Maybe 30 minutes away," replied Aya.

That's going to be a long 30 minutes, thought Levi.